Meet Our Team of Veterinarians and Emergency Doctors with Years of Training.

The Pet Vet boasts a crew of hardworking and compassionate team members. Many of our staff members have over 10 years experience working with furry babies and their human companions. Patient care is of the utmost importance at The Pet Vet, treating patients like members of our own family.

Most pets have some signs of dental disease by the age of 3, and worse is the effect dental disease can have on the body. On the front end, dental disease causes bad breath, tooth decay, and pain. Beyond just the mouth, periodontal disease can spread to the bloodstream and internal organs, which is why routine dental care is a top priority.

Are heartworms a problem in WNC?

Yes

Why does my dog need heartworm prevention?

Heartworm disease is a nasty, potentially fatal, illness. Once a dog has heartworms the treatment is difficult on your pet, as well as your wallet. Heartworms are transferred through mosquitoes, so every dog is susceptible to getting them. If your pet were to become exposed, the heartworm prevention would kill the heartworms prior to developing enough to cause harm your dog.

What flea & tick prevention is best for my pet?

There are a lot of good and a lot of not-so-good products on the market. As a rule of thumb, only purchase flea & tick prevention that you can get from a doctor’s office. The reasoning is that there are many over the counter products that while less expensive, are also less effective, and are more likely to cause allergic reactions. As far as exactly which product to purchase from the doctor, that’s best to discuss with the office staff. Different products may be recommended based on your pet’s health history and the kind of coverage you are looking for.

Why do you take my pet out of the exam room during their visit?

While we expect our pets to be calmer when we around, an owners presence can have the opposite effect on the pet. It can cause some pets to become more anxious, upset, or aggressive. When taken away from the site of their parents, many pets become more relaxed. For this reason we find it less stressful to the pet to administer medical treatment away from the site of mom and dad. However, treatment can proceed in the exam room if requested, as long as the pet is comfortable enough.

Is it ok to bring my aggressive pet in to see the doctor?

Yes. No one would want to deny your pet necessary medical care due to its aggression. However, certain precautions would be made. If your pet is aggressive to other animals, we would ask that they wait in the car until the doctor is ready to see them, thus avoiding other animals in the lobby. If there is human aggression, we can utilize a muzzle as needed. They doctor will do what they can, but in certain cases they may recommend a pet be sedated before they can proceed with medical treatment.

The Pet Vet on Patton is a locally owned and operated full service animal hospital. Lea Osborne, DVM is a native of Weaverville, NC and a graduate of NC State University.

Dr. Lea spent years working as an emergency veterinarian in a regional hospital, mastering the art of critical care. Upon finishing her tenure in emergency work Dr. Lea began working as a “relief” Veterinarian.

This experience brought her to all corners of WNC working with all types of clients and pets. During this time Dr. Lea designed her dream practice, and hired local contractor Jeffery Osborne to build The Pet Vet on Patton.

Asheville Dog Boarding

What kind of care will my dog receive at the Pet Vet Resort?
We want your dog to be comfortable while you are away! Bring us any specialized instructions, and we will accommodate your wishes as much as possible.
There are three boarding options, depending on what would best fit your dog’s personality:

Asheville Doggie Daycare

You can ask any dog in Asheville, and they will tell you, Pet Vet daycare is the place to be. At the Pet Vet, we individualize daycare to your pet’s needs for Asheville Doggie Daycare.
We have 3 large gated yard spaces as well as 2 indoor playrooms. Dogs are separated into play groups based on size, energy level, and generally which dogs they prefer to be around.

Asheville Cat Boarding

What kind of care will my cat receive at the Pet Vet Resort?
We want your cat to be comfortable while you are away! Bring us any specialized instructions, and we will accommodate your wishes as much as possible.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing favorite items such as blankets, beds, and toys. Cats don’t like being out of their element, so these items can help them make the transition. You might also bring your cat’s own food. If you prefer, we can provide Science Diet®. We also provide unscented litter boxes.

Pet Hospice Care for dogs and cats in the Asheville, NC area.

The Pet Vet on Patton provides hospice care for you pet. Simply put, hospice care focuses on providing the best quality of life possible for a pet with a terminal disease or condition.

A pet hospice service typically includes on-call availability of the veterinarian to provide urgent care as needed; extended appointments including counseling and support for decision-making; in-home care; medications and other therapies administered to relieve discomfort, stress and pain; euthanasia options tailored to your and your pet’s needs (which may include in-home euthanasia); and pet loss support/grief counseling.

Asheville Pet Grooming

Asheville Pet Grooming Our staff groomer has been grooming pets to perfection for many years and offers a 100% money-back guarantee on the grooming of any dog regardless of size, breed, age, or coat. Grooming…

Proactive Pet Wellness

Asheville Pet Services PREVENTIVE CARE Proactive pet wellness begins at an early age and continues throughout the life of your companion, involving proper food, dental care, exercise, and early detection of problems in older pets.

Pet Vet on Patton Contact Information

From West Asheville:
Take I-26W/I-240 E to exit 3A on left (Hwy 19-23). Continue through 2 lights; turn right at Hazel Mill; immediate right on Hansel, first building on left.

From Weaverville & Surrounding Areas:
Take I-26E to West Asheville exit. Merge right to West Asheville I-26 W exit. Merge left, 2 lanes. Go through 2 traffic lights, and turn right on Hazel Mill; immediate right on Hansel, first building on left.

If you would like your pet’s prescribed medication refilled, fill out the form above and we will contact you if we have any further questions. Please place refill requests at least 24 hours in advance.

Download the forms you may need in the course of treatment in our hospital.

Asheville Humane Society

Under contract with Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, Asheville Humane Society’s animal care professionals operate the Buncombe County Animal Shelter, the safety net for any lost, abandoned, or relinquished companion animal in Buncombe County.

Brother Wolf

BWAR is known for their excellence in matching people with the best dog or cat that would suit their lifestyle.

Pet Insurance Review

All pet insurance is not the same. Do some research before you buy an insurance.

Blue Ridge Humane Society

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, established in 1950 is a limited admission nonprofit 501(c)3 animal welfare organization committed to quality shelter care, treatment of our charges, and to advocacy for spay/neutering throughout Henderson County.

All posts by Carlos Parra

Reports of bear sightings are common in Western North Carolina.

As humans develop more land, they find themselves sharing more living space with bears. This raises the question, How can I keep my dog safe around bears?

The black bears of WNC are, for the most part, shy and reserved but when provoked can be a danger to humans and pets alike. They are stronger, faster, and better at climbing than we are. So the best defense against bears is to avoid them all together.

If bears are commonplace in your neighborhood, always survey your yard before letting your pet outside. When not in a fenced yard, your dog should be on a leash. Even a well-trained dog may not respond to your commands in the presence of a bear.

Avoid keeping any food in your yard. This means keeping trash and compost in sealed, airtight containers and waiting to bring your garbage to the curb until collection day, if possible. Make sure you never leave pet food unattended outdoors. And always clean up your grill and outdoor food prep areas. In bear territory, it is best to eliminate bird feeders.

If you notice bears coming into your yard on a frequent basis, try making a lot of noise to scare them away. From a safe distance, blow an air horn or bang pots and pans together.

When camping or hiking, make your presence known by talking loudly or singing. Bears don’t like to be startled, so making noise alerts them without spooking them. You can also keep bear bells on your backpack and on your dog’s collar. Avoid listening to headphones or talking on the phone so you can better listen to your surroundings. If you hear or see signs of a bear, turn around and quietly and calmly leave the area. Never leave your pet unattended at a campground, and keep your pet on a leash as much as possible. Dogs have been known to run off towards a bear and come running back to your campsite with an angry bear in tow. Keep human food and dog food in airtight canisters. Avoid recreational running in bear country. A person running can trigger the predator instinct in bears, and you may unintentionally become prey.

If you come in contact with a bear, stay calm. Keep a safe distance and make sure you are not blocking the bear’s only escape route. Speak in a normal tone of voice and move your arms so the bear sees you are human and not prey. Walk away slowly and calmly. Do not run. If you are face to face with the bear, make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms around. Do not make eye contact. Throw an object in the bear’s direction; this may create a distraction for the bear to investigate. Do NOT toss food toward a bear. And never try to feed a bear. Carry EPA-approved bear spray. If all else fails, spray it in the direction of the bear’s face. This can stun a bear and may get it to retreat. It is important that you use spray specifically intended for bears and not pepper spray for humans, which would not be fully effective on a bear. A barking dog can scare the bear away, but it may also anger the bear. It is up to you to assess the situation and move yourself and your pet away in the best manner.

Remember: bears don’t want to harm you or your dog. They will most often keep to themselves unless provoked. The most common reasons a bear may get defensive involve protecting food and cubs. Avoiding bears all together is your best recourse. If you have any questions about bear safety or if you have a problematic bear in your neighborhood, contact the local Wildlife Resource Commission at 919-707-0010.

We all love the holidays, but with the winter season comes a major drop in temperature. Despite a pet’s fur coat, cold temperature can bring discomfort and danger.

Never leave pets outside for too long in the cold. Make sure they spend most of their day in covered, heated areas, with short periods of time outside for walks and play. Don’t allow them to stay in the car without the heat on for any extended period of time, as temperatures can drop quickly. Make sure pets have plenty of water available, as they use a lot of energy to stay warm.

Set up a cozy area with bedding and blankets inside,making sure pets and their bedding stay a safe distance from fireplaces and space heaters.If you have a pet who gets extra chilly, buy a coat or sweater that fits properly. It should allow free movement but shouldn’t be so loose that it creates an entanglement hazard. If your pet is prone to chewing or ingesting foreign objects, never leave its clothing on while unattended.

Putting these ideas into practice, the whole family can enjoy a warm and cozy winter.

The Pet Vet continues to grow and expand our services, which now include having staff in the building twenty-four hours a day. This means patients in our care receive additional monitoring with expanded caretaking, allowing us to offer an even safer and happier experience for boarding pets.

For more information on our boarding services call the Pet Vet at (828) 232-9990.

Halloween is here again! This delightfully spooky holiday means tricks and treats for the entire family, including our pets. Know the important precautions you can take to keep your furry goblins safe and happy this Halloween.

Candy is deeelicious, but it is strictly for humans. No candy is ok to give to pets–ever. With all the fun and excitement, be sure you’re not leaving candy where your pet could get it. Candy can cause GI upset. Even worse, it can be toxic and potentially lethal. Make sure you are doing your part to keep candy out of your pet’s reach.

Be cautious with Halloween decorations, which can seem like treats and toys to a pet. Keep decorations away from your playful companions and be aware that lit candles can pose a danger to paws and tails. Toss pumpkins and gourds before they start rotting to ensure that your pet doesn’t ingest mold.

Trick or Treaters can be a sensory overload for our pets. The doorbell rings constantly, with strangers at the door dressed in wild outfits yelling, “Trick or Treat!” If your pet seems at all uncomfortable, put them in a quiet area away from the excitement. This will minimize the chance of your pet reacting by growling or snapping or even running away. Keep pets indoors; this means wandering kitties, as well. Not only can the theatrics cause undue stress, but pranksters are on the loose. Keep your pets safely indoors to avoid being caught in the middle of a misguided high jinks.

Be kind when putting your pets in costumes. Some pets LOVE to dress up, but others just don’t. If your pet seems stressed or uncomfortable, don’t force it. Keep your pet comfortable and at ease. If your pet has trouble moving or breathing in its costume, take it off. Only allow your pet to wear a costume when monitored. Leaving your pet alone in a costume could result in the outfit getting caught on something or your pet trying to eat it. Stay away from using hair dyes, as this can be harmful and potentially toxic. For pets that don’t enjoy costumes, try a fun bandana instead!

With these tips in mind, Halloween can be a fun and stress-free holiday for the whole family.

Our pets are truly members of the family, offering us love and companionship. It’s not always easy to see our beloved pets enter their senior years, but understanding their needs can help keep them happy and healthy. Here are a few points to consider.

It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian for regular wellness care. The doctor may suggest routine lab work to monitor for abnormalities. Just like humans, pets can develop issues with organ function as they age. Medications can help regulate the functioning of their heart, kidneys, liver, and thyroid, and this will increase their comfort and potentially help prolong their life. Also like humans, pets are susceptible to developing arthritis. Supplements, medications, acupuncture, or physical therapy can help their ability to remain active.

Like humans who become senile or develop dementia, animals can have cognitive dysfunction. We may relate many of these symptoms to normal aging – symptoms such as pacing, forgetting daily routines, or having accidents in the house. A doctor can help diagnose cognitive dysfunction. If properly managed, it is possible to reduce the symptoms and increase your pet’s quality of life.

Switch your pet’s food to one that’s specially formulated for seniors. A specialized diet can address an aging lifestyle. You will find a number of diets that increase fiber and add in supplements for joint health. Fatty acid supplements like fish oil can help maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat.

Comfort is key. Make sure you provide your senior pet with plenty of cushy bedding around your home and in your car. Try laying down rugs or runners to help your pet with traction on tile or hardwood. Does your pet love being social or going on walks but isn’t as physically capable? Think about getting your pet a wagon or stroller, allowing relaxation while enjoying the things they love! Have them join you at outdoor cafes for some low-key socialization. Kitties who enjoy the outdoors may benefit from a screened-in patio, bringing the outdoors inside.

Stay active, or as active as possible. Keeping your pet mobile will help keep muscles and joints healthy. Keep up the frequent walks and throw the ball around, but limit exercise time so your pet won’t overdo it. Also monitor for overheating on warmer days. Don’t forget to encourage an active mind; practice training exercises and engage your pet with toys that provide a mental challenge. For the food motivated play games that offer treats as prizes!

Allowing your pet to maintain its familiar lifestyle is paramount during the senior years. This, combined with routine medical care to manage physical health, can make all the difference in quality of life. For more guidance on senior pet care, call the Pet Vet to schedule a consultation (828) 232-9990.

As many of you know, humans aren’t the only ones who have been affected by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey. There are thousands of families either homeless or stranded with their pets. Rescue efforts across the state of Texas are actively saving displaced and stranded pets. As a result, animal shelter populations are increasing by the hundreds and they need our support. In an effort to lend a hand, we have arranged a fundraising campaign for the SPCA of Texas. The Pet Vet will MATCH HALF of what is raised, up to $750!! To make a donation, stop by the office or give us a call at 828-232-9990.

Have you considered taking your cat outside on a leash? Social and outgoing cats might benefit from exploring the outdoors on a leash, while cats who are shy and like to hide may prefer to remain indoors.

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About Pet Vet on Patton

Located in beautiful downtown Asheville, North Carolina, we are an Asheville veterinarian clinic that proudly serves Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville, Arden, Biltmore Forest, Candler, Fairview, Swannanoa, and Hendersonville.